The TSI Appreciation Thread

[Stellajack]

A great way to relax in MK especially on a very hot afternoon. I, too, would like to see the return of Aunt Polly's.

 

[Chrononymous]

Count me in as another one who adores TSI!

I remember the first time I saw it was after seeing the TSI in DL.
DL's is certainly cool...but doesn't have as many caves, or interesting details as WDW's

We went to it early in the morning, when it was practically deserted. I have to say some of those caves get a little spooky when you are alone!
I love the "secret exit" cavern in the stable, and the details of the animatronics(completely missing from DL)

It's just like a little secret gem that you discover while beating the crowds.

 

[J_Carioca]

We went to it early in the morning, when it was practically deserted. I have to say some of those caves get a little spooky when you are alone!
.

This happened to me too! We were the last (small) group on the island and being in those caves alone was actually really scary.

I completely stand behind this thread. I love TSI. It's always amazing to me how you line up in front of Splash/Thunder Mountain - an area that is always crowded - and then you're whisked away to TSI which is always peaceful. And there is so much there! I'd been to the island many times but it wasn't until my last trip that I found the caves and the mine. Amazing.

In my mind, if someone doesn't like TSI then they have no soul. Or at least, they have no imagination.

 

[Bob Saget]

I love the "secret exit" cavern in the stable, and the details of the animatronics(completely missing from DL)

I love hidden goodies like those. We always look to see if that guy is still sleeping soundly in the stable. Sure enough, there he is snoring away like before. I wonder what percentage of people who explore Fort Langhorn even stumble upon the secret exit (?)

 

[AndyS2992]

Really don't like this place.. Ran in to waaaay too many people getting overly intimate in the caves =/

I hope this land is used as a major E ticket in the future.

 

[bethymouse]

Well- I haven't done it since I was a kid. My boys ask about it, but just don't seem interested. I guess they should try it just once, huh?

 

[Spikerdink]

Wow....don't hate me or anything.... But I didn't realize that TSI was so involved.... I have only gone over a few times (I am claustrophobic and the raft ride over squeezed together with the mass of humanity makes me want to go overboard)...but now am thinking I want to go do some more serious exploring.... maybe if I get there early one morning I can get over without too many people on the raft.....

 

[Fantasmic]

I love TSI (and the TTA!) When you're over there, it feels like you're a million miles away from anywhere

 

[Alexis]

All my years going to MK, never remembered TSI and haven't been. What's on the island? Is it just walking?

 

[Mammymouse]

We went to the Island last May and our almost 8 year old granddaughter and her friend had a great time exploring. After a while we let them go on their own, and wouldn't you know it our granddaughter got lost - well sort of. You really can't get lost as long as you don't leave the island. She and her friend were in the cave and got separated. Her friend found us shortly thereafter and we all started the search. Within maybe 10 minutes we found her in tears talking to a nice lady and all was well again. Other than that we had a great relaxing visit. While that should have been the most upsetting part of the visit it wasn't - Aunt Polly's was closed and the vending machines didn't work either! So many people were trying to get refreshments from the machines and were losing their money. I was so looking forward to just sitting on the big porch/gazebo with a cool drink, but no luck - bummer.

 

[Weather_Lady]

As someone who loved the book Tom Sawyer as a kid, I've always loved TSI! We didn't visit during our last trip. At ages 4 and 6, we weren't sure the kids were ready yet, and our itinerary was packed pretty tightly. However, I plan on doing my homework (meaning: reading Tom Sawyer to them -- gotta figure out what to do or say about the n-word: typically I'm a literary purist and would rather share the book as written and explain the historical context, but I'm not sure they're old enough to process it properly) before our next visit, so they can enjoy it along with us, and appreciate all the references to the novel.

 

[NewtoDisney2009]

Love it love it love it!

 

[Bob Saget]

What's on the island? Is it just walking?

More like exploring and unwinding from the other goings on of the park. You can either walk around and discover all the hidden goodies on the island, or just sit & soak in some quiet R&R from the rest of your day.

 

[DisneyDebNJ]

My son LOVED TSI when he was little, one of the main reasons he wanted to go to MK!!!

 

[acishere]

Where else am I going to relax in a rocking chair while everyone else rides IASW? Plus I magically turn 10 when I see a barrel bridge or the guns in the fort.

 

[George]

Best play interactive area ever put in a theme park. Hands down.

 

[rael ramone]

My best memory of TSI was when they used to have the duck food dispensers. All the birds had greatly reduced fear of man. Not only do the ducks and those other white birds with the long curved beaks eat out of your hand, but the flight birds would as well. More than once a raven or similar bird would land in your hand and eat out of it (then a second one lands and proceeds to scare the first one away).

Even with this now gone (thanks, lawyers), it's a great place to get away from the crowds. Sometimes it's the simple things that satisfy.

 

[Stu bailey]

We still do it every trip. Kids still enjoy at 15. Detail is rich and the caves are fabulous. Nice pace in an otherwise hectic day at the MK. Do miss Aunt Polly as well.

 

[Mrsdonaldduck]

We soooooo love TSI. It is fun to be a kid for a little while. Alright I might be dreaming this but I thought I read that each day cast members leave 2 paint brushes somewhere on the island and if you find them you get a fast pass or something. Did anyone ever hear of this!?

 

[Crazy4WDW1]

We haven't done it in years. We should definitely do it again.